Obstacle Ninja

Obstacle courses with cones, hula hoops, tunnels, and other props to challenge children’s agility and balance is super fun and easy to set up!

For this activity, you want to ensure you perform a simple risk assessment so everyone can have fun in a safe way! Look out for sharp edges, hard floors, scattered lego pieces etc and clear the space so you can set up and enjoy your obstacle courses safely - If you can set this up outside, even better!

Materials Needed:

1. Cones or chalk for marking boundaries and paths.

2. Hula hoops or pool noodles for creating hurdles and tunnels.

3. Rope or jump ropes for balance challenges.

4. Pool floats or foam pads for "lily pad" stepping stones.

5. Tires or cardboard boxes for crawling through.

6. Old sheets or fabric for a "web" challenge.

7. Stopwatch or timer for timing the kids.

Setup:

1. Mark the Course: Use cones or chalk to mark the start and finish lines. Create a winding path with turns, loops, and straight stretches.

2. Hurdles and Tunnels: Set up hula hoops or pool noodles as hurdles to jump over or crawl under. Place some hula hoops horizontally on the ground to create tunnel obstacles.

3. Balance Challenge: Stretch a rope or lay jump ropes on the ground for kids to walk along as a balance beam.

4. Lily Pad Stepping Stones: Arrange pool floats or foam pads on the ground, spaced apart like stepping stones. Kids must jump from one to the next without touching the "water" (grass) between.

5. Crawling Zone: Place tires or cardboard boxes in a row to create a tunnel that kids need to crawl through.

6. Spider Web Challenge: Hang old sheets or fabric between trees or posts to create a spider web obstacle. Kids have to find their way through without touching the "webs."

7. Timer: Set up a timer or stopwatch at the start line to time each child as they go through the course.

Activity:

1. Demonstrate: Show the kids how to navigate each obstacle safely and effectively. Emphasize the importance of trying their best and having fun.

2. Challenge Time: Have the kids take turns going through the obstacle course. Time each child's run using the stopwatch.

3. Cheer and Encourage: As each child goes through the course, cheer them on and provide positive reinforcement. Encourage them to improve their time with each attempt.

4. Friendly Competition: After everyone has had a turn, you can have a friendly competition to see who can complete the course in the shortest time.

5. Variations: To make the activity more engaging, you can create themed challenges, name each obstacle creatively (like "Dragon's Lair" for crawling through the tires), and even use a toy ninja mask or headband to get them into the spirit.

Remember, safety is paramount. Ensure that the obstacles are appropriate for the kids' age and skill levels, and supervise them closely as they navigate the course. This activity not only promotes physical activity but also boosts their confidence and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.